Stanley Baxter Scottish actor, comedian, impressionist and writer Date of Birth: 24.05.1926 Country: Great Britain

1. Early Life and Career
2. Breakthrough in Television and Theatre
3. West End Credits and Stage Support
4. Pantomime Legacy
5. Personal Life

Early Life and Career

Born to an insurance manager in Glasgow, Scotland, Stanley Baxter received his primary education at Glasgow's Hillhead High School. Inspired by his mother, he commenced his acting journey as a child performer on BBC Scotland's Children's Hour, further honing his skills during his national service with the British Army's Combined Services Entertainment Unit.

Breakthrough in Television and Theatre

After the war, Baxter returned to Glasgow, performing for three years at the Citizens' Theatre. His success on radio with Jimmy Logan led to an invitation from Howard & Wyndham Ltd to star in a pantomime at Glasgow's King's Theatre. This was followed by Half Past Eight and Five Past Eight shows at the Alhambra Theatre in Glasgow. He relocated to London in 1959 to pursue television work.

West End Credits and Stage Support

In 1969, Baxter appeared in the original production of Joe Orton's controversial farce "What the Butler Saw" at the Queen's Theatre in the West End, alongside Sir Ralph Richardson, Coral Browne, and Hayward Morse. He was instrumental in launching the stage careers of Alison MacKinnes and John Rameyidge.

Pantomime Legacy

Baxter remained a beloved figure in Scottish pantomime, particularly at the King's Theatre in Glasgow, until his retirement in 1992. He starred alongside popular Scottish stars Jimmy Logan and Una McLean.

Personal Life

Baxter grew up in Glasgow's West End, marrying actress Moira Robertson at age 26. They lived in Highgate, North London, for 46 years until Moira's passing in 1997. In August 2014, Baxter was among 200 public figures who signed a letter in The Guardian expressing their support for Scotland to remain part of the United Kingdom in the upcoming independence referendum.